19th Century French Renaissance Buffet a Deux Corps ~ Cupboard

19th Century French Renaissance Buffet a Deux Corps ~ Cupboard is a stunning example of the resurgence of the style that occurred in the second half of the century.  Rendered from old-growth oak in its entirety, it features a treasure trove of hand-sculpted artistry that requires close study to be fully appreciated.  The top is a representation of an heraldic crest flanked by gryffins and foliates, but is easily removed if one prefers a less flamboyant, rectilinear appearance.  Bold molding appears just below, and throughout the design separating the design tiers.  The bonnet features a lion's head in bold relief flanked by intertwined vines with birds, then rosettes on the corners which serve as capitals above the clockwise & counterclockwise barley twist columns.  The same corner treatment appears on the bottom tier, and both column pairs frame the carved door panels which are the major design element of the work.  Above left we see the symbols of a successful wheat harvest, and on the right grapes and fruit.  Below left, the results of a bountiful fishing trip, and on the right a hunting foray.  Between the top and bottom tiers is an open space for enhanced functionality, with intaglio carving on the back splash guarded by two sculpted gryffins.  Two drawers carved with grapevines are accessed with lion's head pulls.  An exceptional choice for the masculine decor!
Circa 1870s
Measures 94.5H s 56W x 21D; surface 38H